Websites, Downloads & Apps: SCHOOL SERVICES

This list identifies websites and downloads that families can use to help build understanding as well as apps for mobile devices that have helped families with a child experiencing issues with their child's school services.

Not Sure Where to Start?

The following websites have been recommended by Connecting for Kids families as useful resources for individuals who want to learn more about special education:

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD): Understood Portal - School & Learning Topic Page
Offers articles and resource guides across the full spectrum of education topics, from special education services to homeschooling and tutoring.understood.org

NCLD: Get Ready to Read
Online resource designed to support educators, parents, and young children in the development of early literacy skills in the years before kindergarten.getreadytoread.org

Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI)
OCALI offers online training modules, research and information on interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other low-incidence disabilities (such as multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairments, other health impairments, and traumatic brain injuries). The Parent Center also contains resources by age group, including a school age section with information on collaborating with schools and the special education process.ocali.org

Wrightslaw
Accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.wrightslaw.com

Connecting for Kids families have found the following online publications useful in learning more about special education.

LiveSpecial: Transition Laws and Rights in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Process
Online video series exploring the transition process for individuals with disabilities.

NCLD: ADA: Protecting Your Child's Civil Rights
This NCLD Parent Advocacy Brief (via the NCLD's Understood portal) will help you understand the changes brought about by the ADA, how they apply to Section 504 and how these changes may impact children with learning and attention issues.

NCLD: IDEA Parent GuideOnline guide designed to help parents become an effective partner in their child's IEP process. This guide covers how the IEP process works, what the law requires in order to determine a learning disability, questions families should ask and a list of some of the resources available.

NCLD: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): What You Need to Know
This online guide (via the NCLD's Understood portal) covers important topics under IDEA in easy-to-understand question/narrative format, from requesting an evaluation to handling discipline and disputes.

NCLD: The Difference Between IEPs and 504 PlansSide-by-side comparison from NCLD (via Understood portal) shows the similarities and differences between an IEP and a 504 plan.

WorryWiseKids Educational Rights and Accommodations ArticlesBrief article explains how anxiety can be classified under IDEA and the process for requesting an evaluation for a child with anxiety. Additional resources on this site include sample accommodations and what schools can do.

More and more mobile applications (apps) are being developed to help individuals understand special education. The following apps have been used by Connecting for Kids families: